A do-it-yourself guide for getting rid of just about anything.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Modified on July 17, 2016

Cider vinegar–or apple cider vinegar–is one of those natural wonders that prove that the universe isn’t totally against us. As the name implies, this strain of vinegar comes from apples–pulverized apples that are fermented into alcohol and then further into vinegar. I’m sure cider vinegar was accidentally discovered when some poor saps were trying to make booze; however, their mistake is our bounty. If you’ve ever made wine before, vinegar is what happens when you let it sit too long and a different strain of yeast gets in. Cider vinegar has countless uses beyond the kitchen, and I think everyone should have a heaping jug of this stuff on hand.

Naturally fermented, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, beneficial enzymes, and amino acids. For cleaning, any old grocery store brand will suffice; however, if you are using it for its health benefits, it is best to purchase cider vinegar from a reputable health food store. Cider vinegar should have a dark, earthy tone, and sediment should be visible at the bottom. This sediment, which sometimes looks silky or web-like, is referred to as the “mother.” Many believe the mother is what endows cider vinegar with its beneficial qualities, but no research exists to confirm this. What the presence of the mother can tell you is that the cider vinegar hasn’t been overly filtered, pasteurized, and robbed of its beneficial qualities. Generally, look for the ugliest cider vinegar on the shelf. Below, you’ll find a description of just some of the many uses for cider vinegar.

White Vinegar vs. Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar–with its many uses for cooking, health, and cleaning–has garnered much attention recently. Because of its diversity and price, many people are keeping vinegar on hand. Those new to it often ask, “What is the difference between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar?” Well, white vinegar is distilled from grains. Its low price, relatively high acidity level, and clarity (no stains) make it an ideal cleaner. Apple cider vinegar is made from, well, apples. It has many uses in the kitchen, including pickling and adding tang (or zang) to bland foods. The one thing that absolutely sets cider vinegar apart from other varieties is its healing properties and general health benefits.

Health Risks

While the health risks of consuming apple cider vinegar are negligible compared to those of many medications used to treat the ailments discussed below, it is not without risk. Cider vinegar has a high acetic acid content, which is very caustic. If taken “straight up,” or undiluted, it can cause damage to tissue inside the mouth as well as tooth enamel and the esophagus. Because of this, cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice. Similarly, applying cider vinegar topically to the skin or scalp can cause burns, especially for those with sensitive skin. Precaution should also be taken with cider vinegar supplements, as they could potentially get lodged in the throat and damage the esophagus.

Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Cider vinegar can be used to treat acne, blemishes, and oily skin. Vinegar is a natural astringent and has antibacterial properties, so it will dry out oily skin, clean your pores, and kill the bacteria in and around exploding pimples. It will also bring your skin’s pH level back to somewhere near normal. It can be especially useful for back acne, or “bacne,” as covering such a large area with commercial products can be extremely expensive. When starting out, you should dilute your cider vinegar to one part vinegar, eight parts water, as it is fairly acidic and can cause irritation. Apply your solution topically once or twice daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar is what I use to clean my linoleum floors. It’s slightly acidic, so it will dissolve grime or any kind of viscous ooze you’ve been trying to walk around. It is probably obvious that cider vinegar is a healthier cleaner for you and the planet, but it is also much better for your linoleum than most commercial cleaners. Products like Comet are so harsh that they will literally eat your linoleum over time. An apple cider vinegar of 5% acidity can be used straight up or diluted with water, if you like.

Cider vinegar has long been used to get rid of dandruff. When the skin cells in the scalp reproduce too rapidly, they begin seeking new territory–like the shoulders of your new sports jacket. Using cider vinegar is thought to change the pH level of the scalp, making it unsuitable for the skin fungus that causes dandruff. Also, vinegar will help kill bacteria that clog pores. I recommend diluting to one part vinegar, one part water and massaging the scalp and leaving it in for one to two hours before rinsing. People who use vinegar on their hair or ingest it once a day orally also report added bounce and shine. Bonus.

Apple cider vinegar has the ability to get rid of dog urine or cat urine odor. When I was in school, my mother–tired of politely asking me to get up–would rile our dogs into a frenzy and then unleash them on me. Now and then, the retriever would get so excited that she would urinate all over my bed while licking my face. Nothing could redeem these mornings, but my sheets were made right by adding ¼ cup of vinegar to our regular laundry detergent. This will work with rugs, clothing, bedding, or anything you can wrestle into the washer.

Bring your cider vinegar along on that summer vacation to treat sunburns and insect bites. A healthy body requires sunlight for vitamin D, but if you lack pigment as I do, the difference between a healthy dose and painful blisters is a short time’s thoughtlessness. Cider vinegar is a great natural way to relieve pain from sunburn. I’ve used this before, and it works well. Simply add up to one cup of vinegar to your bathwater, or apply it with a cool compress. Additionally, these same methods will provide instant relief from itchy skin due to insect bites, though your cider vinegar need not be diluted for this use.

Cider Vinegar: The Cure-All Tonic?

Cider vinegar is used as a daily tonic for a myriad of heath issues, including weight loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, aging, digestion, cancer, the common cold, cholesterol, and . . . . The use of apple cider vinegar as a medicine dates back centuries. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed it with honey for just about every ailment. Pain in your head? Apple cider vinegar. Hurts when you urinate? Apple cider vinegar. The problem with cider vinegar is that, for the most part, many of its encyclopedia of uses lack empirical medical research; however, recent findings may eventually give credence to this natural treatment. Below are three uses that represent only the tip of the iceberg of cider vinegar’s medicinal uses.

High Blood Pressure: A few recent studies have shown that cider vinegar may reduce high blood pressure–the silent killer. This may be because of cider vinegar’s acetic acid, which has long been thought to combat hypertension, or it may be because of cider vinegar’s blood-thinning qualities.

Diabetes: More convincing is the research concerning diabetes. Recent, albeit limited, studies found that taking two tablespoons of cider vinegar daily can lower glucose levels by as much as 6%.

Weight Loss: Lastly, I think apple cider vinegar’s use as a weight control supplement deserves attention, as this is one of its oldest and most popular uses. Limited research shows that people who have cider vinegar with a meal, or two tablespoons before a meal, will feel more full or sated. Also, cider vinegar’s acetic acid and pectin are purported to bolster metabolism.

Apple Cider Vinegar Products

Eden Organic makes a high-quality apple cider vinegar. It is naturally fermented and unpasteurized. It is also aged in wood rather than in plastic, which is what you should always look for in a cider vinegar, and it has a healthy amount of sediment, or “mother,” visible in the container. A 16 oz. bottle will cost anywhere from three to six dollars, making it relatively inexpensive compared to other products. You can find it from Amazon here.

If you can’t stomach the puckering taste of vinegar, even when diluted, then cider vinegar supplements are a good option. These tablets are highly acidic, but that should be no problem for your stomach. Be sure to take the tablets with a heaping glass of water, lest they take their time getting down, burning your throat and esophagus.

Don, I’m not personally familiar with the health benefits of honey, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s there, at least in part, to simply make your beverage more palatable. Cut it back a bit if you’re concerned.

November 27, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Don Douglassays:

Iam drinking 8oz of water, & 2 table spoons of Braggs ACV, & 2 table spoons of Raw Honey twice a day.
Question: What does the Raw honey add to the health benefits of this drink. I worry about the amount of sugar i am drinking each day, or should I?

Wink, gastritis can be caused by a number of things, so you should really see a doctor to find out what the cause is. It could be something as simple as a bacteria or virus and you might be able to get it cleared up. In the meantime, however, I would not recommend apple cider vinegar. It’s acidic, and acidic foods/liquids may exacerbate the problem.

Sorry to say it, but vinegar, apple cider or other, will not work against skin pigmentation.

July 30, 2014 at 5:48 am

shaloosays:

i m having black patches on both my cheecks knows as pigmenttaion, my hairs get thinner day by , can i use use nornam vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar as i m ubale to find this in market, alos let me know specific use of ACV or my problem